The Canopy at the Smithsonian Institution’s Kogod Courtyard in Washington D.C.
technology p. 84 - 90Architect Foster and Partners | Author Klaus Lother | Wolfgang Rudolph | Structural Engineer Buro Happold |
The previously open courtyard of the National Historic Landmark building complex could only be used in spring and autumn for climatic reasons. Now a new Foster + Partners-designed glass roof – comprising three shallow, seamlessly merging cupolas – lies over the open area.
A lattice shell from welded steel girders forms the primary structure. A special system com-prising custom-made glass elements with aluminium frames enables this twice-curved structure to be covered with flat, square panes.
The article describes in detail the design, production and assembly of this complex piece of architecture.
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